Award-winner’s free inspections to help young drivers choose a safer first car

Nambour Chamber of Commerce Secretary Jody Chatillon, left, presents Emma Powter with the Business of the Month Award.

School-aged learner drivers will be able to have up to three prospective cars inspected free under a new Nambour program designed to make buying their first vehicle safer and less daunting.

Power Curve Automotive owner Emma Powter announced the P-plate program while accepting the Nambour Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month award at Post Coffee House on June 4.

The program will provide eligible young drivers with three free pre-purchase inspections, each normally valued at $150.

Ms Powter said young people and their parents would be encouraged to bring prospective vehicles to the workshop, where staff would inspect and drive the car and explain its fuel, servicing history and likely upcoming maintenance requirements.

The initiative had been considered for three years but gained momentum when Ms Powter’s daughter began learning to drive and questioned her mother’s advice, despite her years in the automotive industry.

“You might own a mechanic shop and your kid thinks you know nothing about cars, and it might take someone else to help that message land,” Ms Powter laughed.

The program was intended for school-aged young people approaching their P plates and looking to purchase their first vehicle.

Ms Powter said the aim was to provide practical education while ensuring young drivers and their families better understood what they were buying.

Power Curve Automotive was recognised as Business of the Month after being nominated by Hardy and Sons Plumbing.

Ms Powter, whose businesses also include Burnside Motors and Post Coffee House, said the award reflected the company’s growing community involvement.

Its other recent project is a series of Welcome to Nambour packs to be distributed through local real estate agencies to new residents.

The boxes contain almost $1000 worth of gifts and offers contributed by participating businesses, encouraging newcomers to discover local shops and services.

“It’s a small gift to welcome people to our community,” Ms Powter said.